5 life lessons we can learn from Yuvraj Singh
With his eye-catching stroke-play as well as refreshingly candid personality, Yuvraj Singh remains the blue-eyed boy of Indian cricket even if advancing age suggests otherwise. Although quite a few batsmen may hold better numbers, the stylish southpaw has a legitimate claim for being one of the best ever batsmen to represent India in the limited-overs arena.
If his sensational hitting propelled a resurgent outfit to the 2007 World T20 title, Yuvraj cemented his legacy by bagging the 'Player of the Tournament' award in India's euphoric World Cup triumph in 2011. As evidenced by his successful battle with cancer, his poignant story extends far beyond the cricket field.
Also Read: 5 life lessons we can learn from Virender Sehwag
When in full flow, Yuvraj can present a nightmarish proposition for opposition bowlers. However, outside the game, the extremely popular cricketer stands as a symbol of valour and resilience. Here are five important life lessons we can all learn from the inspirational player.
#5 Convert potential into performance
Right from his days as an age-group cricketer, Yuvraj was earmarked for bigger success. Although he initially showed more interest in roller-skating and even won the Under-14 National Championship, the left-hander had already begun his cricketing tryst with Punjab's Under-12 state team. Gradually rising through the various age-levels, he came into national prominence by hammering a triple century in the final of the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy in Jamshedpur.
During the 2000 Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Yuvraj was named the 'Player of the Tournament' award as India cruised to their maiden title in the event. He earned his inaugural call-up to the senior team for the ICC KnockOut tournament in the same year. The gifted batsman did not take too long to translate his potential into performance. He smashed a 80-ball 84 against a bowling attack featuring the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie in the quarter-final. A batting star had well and truly arrived at international level.
Yuvraj's stellar knock as a 18-year old continues to be an ideal illustration of talent being converted into output. One can possess an enormous amount of potential in any field. However, when the early opportunity emerges, it is imperative to transfigure the power of promise into a display of virtuosity.